Accessory locking device for carrying case



Feb. 4, 1959 D, KORCH AR 3,425,525

ACCESSORY LOCKING DEVICE FOR CARRYING CASE Filed July 28, 1967 F765 lNVENTOR/S Dom Koecmm 2,

BY yam, $5 Mia 25 ATTORN EYS United States Patent 3,425,525 ACCESSORY LOCKING DEVICE FOR CARRYING CASE Don I. Korchmar, Cincinnati, Ohio, assignor to The Leather Specialty Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Filed July 28, 1967, Ser. No. 656,922 US. Cl. 19049 Int. Cl. A45c 13/00 6 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Background of the invention A typical carrying case, such as an attach case, comprises two molded concave shells secured at their periphery to rectangular metallic frame members, hereinafter referred to as valances. These latter members are formed in such a way that when mated with one another, a cavity is formed by the shells resulting in the storage compartment for the attache case. If bulk storage were the primary function of such a case, there would be little need for providing pockets or sub-compartments within said cavity. On the other hand, permanent sub-compartments limit the carrying capacity. Today the trend is towards versatility with functionality. The standard daily use of such a carrying case lies in the transmittal of folders, loose papers, and small items. For this purpose, a fol-i0 or expandable file is almost an essential item for the orderly handling of work. Another useful accessory is a writing desk which may be carried Within. However, if it is desirable to utilize said case for an overnight trip, its usefulness is diminished by the presence of accessories of the foregoing type. Thus, it should be apparent that a carrying case having the advantages of each is a more valuable item. That is, by providing for removable accessories which can be securely mounted within the case, a versatile yet functional carrying case is produced. In accordance with the foregoing, a primary feature of this invention is the provision of unique release clips mounted on the inside of one of said shells and secured to the peripheral frame member or valance to attach an accessory such as a folio, expandable file or writing desk.

Brief summary of invention In the preferred embodiment of this invention, an accessory such as an expandable file is provided to be inserted within the shell which generally forms the upper part of the carrying case. The accessory, regardless of the particular function herein, is characterized by flat support or base member adapted to lie substantially contiguous with the inside surface of the adjacent shell, which is generally rectangular in shape. The support member is thoroughly rigid so that it will not yield under the weight of papers. An elongated slot is provided near each of two corners of said support member to receive a flanged portion of the locking device described herein.

3,425,525 Patented Feb. 4, 1969 The locking device is composed of two members, one of which is stationary and secured to the underside of one shell. This latter member is U-shaped with a first end portion lying contiguous with the adjacent shell and secured to the valance about the edge of said shell. The opposite or second end portion is adapted to be received in the slot in said support member. The second member, which is pivotally mounted on the middle portion of said first member, is movable from an inoperative position to an operative position where it contacts said second end portion to hold the support member received on the latter end portion.

Brief description of the drawing FIGURE 1 is an exploded perspective view of the accessory locking device of this invention, plus the support therefor.

FIGURE 2 is a sectional view through a carrying case illustrating a side view of the locking device of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken along line 33 of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 4 is a front view of the locking device of this invention in an inoperative position.

FIGURE 5 is a front view similar to FIGURE 4 but showing the locking device in an operative position.

Detailed description 0f the drawings A typical carrying case such as an attach case, briefcase, valise, suitcase, luggage case or the like, comprises two rectangularly shaped frame members hinged together on one side. These members may, for example, be extnuded from such lightweight metals as magnesium, aluminum, or alloys thereof. A molded concave shell, generally made of a lightweight plastic, is secured to the outside of the respective frame members. The assembly is such that as the shells are brought together, a compartment or cavity is formed. To facilitate the fitting together of the frame members, the confronting edge of each of said member is provided with a flange and shoulder which engages respectively the shoulder and flange of the other. The carrying case thus formed may be provided with a locking means such as described in co-pending application, Ser. No. 598,661, A Carrying Case and Locking Means Therefor.

It should be apparent from the foregoing brief description that the primary support and stability for the carrying case rests primarily on the metallic frame members. By securing the locking means and accessories to said frame members, a more stable structure is achieved. It 'will become apparent in the description to follow, and in said co-pending application, that through a careful arrangement of parts such results are achieved.

Turning now to FIGURE 1, there is illustrated an exploded perspective view of the accessory locking means, a typical support, and a partial view of an accessory. Specifically, the locking means comprises a stationary support 10 formed of a base 11 and arms 12 and 13. The movable member of the device is a pivoting arm 14 mounted for movement on base 11 by means of rivet 15 passing through hole 16 in base 11. To facilitate the pivotal action of arm 14, and to separate it from base 11, spacers 17 are provided therebetween.

The support 10, upon which arm 14 is pivoted, is provided with arms 12 and 13. The latter arm is character- 'ized by a dimension approximately equal to the distance between base 11 and the major portion of arm 14. That is, with arm 14 in a locking position, the major portion will rest against arm 13. To prevent a premature shifting of the arm, small projections 18 are provided.

The remaining arm 12 is considerably larger, and is adapted to be received in the valance frame member 20. FIGURES 1 and 3 illustrate a convenient way of securing arm 13 to the frame member 20. While welding or soldering will sufiice, a rivet 21 has been found quite adequate. By providing for the support in this manner, the shell, which is designed to be flexible, is relieved of such a function.

The accessory for a typical carrying case comprises a rather rigid support 30 which is partially illustrated in several of the figures. The support is characterized by an elongated slot 31 disposed near the corners adjacent the location of the locking devices. The slot 31 is designed so that it readily receives arm 13. Since two of the locking devices will generally suffice for proper support, it may be desirable to include flanged fixtures 32. Said fixtures are spaced from the adjacent shell .a sufiicient distance, indicated at 33, to just receive the accessory support 30 when same is locked into position.

It should be apparent from the foregoing description along with the FIGURES 4 and 5 that the locking device of this invention is effective, yet simple in operation. The latter figures represent an inoperative and operative position respectively. By ivoting the arm in the indicated manner, the operation is readily changed.

Since modifications may be made herein, such as in numbers and locations of locking devices, no limitation is intended to be imposed herein except as set forth in the appended claims.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. In a carrying case having two concave shells, a metallic strip joined to the peripheral edge of each shell and constructed and arranged in such a manner as to interfit with the other strip when the carrying case is closed, and an accessory contiguous with at least a portion of one of said shells, the improvement comprising in combination therewith, the provision of a detachable accessory comprising a support member having an elon gated slot therein, and a locking means receivable in said slot, said means comprising a U-shaped stationary member, one leg of which is secured to one of said metallic strips and the opposing leg being adapted to be received in said slot, and a second member pivotal on said stationary member form an operative position in contact with said opposing leg to an inoperative position projecting from said stationary member.

2. The carrying case claimed in claim 1 wherein said second member is pivotally connected to the middle portion of said stationary member.

3. The carrying case claimed in claim 2 wherein said second member is spaced at its pivotal connection from said stationary member by a plurality of washers.

4. The carrying case claimed in claim 3, including a restraining member spaced from said locking means and adapted to cooperate therewith in holding said detachable accessory.

5. The carrying case claimed in claim 4 wherein said restraining member is L-shaped.

6. The carrying case claimed in claim 5 wherein there are two locking means and two restraining members.

References Cited UNITED STATES PAT ENTS 2,785,778 3/1957 Viehmann et a1 41 3,082,049 3/1963 Lifton 19011 X 3,123,190 3/1964 Lifton 19051 DONALD F. NORTON, Primary Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R. 

